Wednesday, February 15, 2017

Walk With The King

2/15/17

“For the Lord is our judge; the Lord is our lawgiver; the Lord is our king; he will save us.” Isaiah 33:22

Dear Congregation,
        A few weeks ago, this verse was a brief end cap to my sermon on this chapter. However, it was pointed out to me that this one verse contains so much theological meat and strength, that more time should be devoted to it. You remember the context is the future righteous reign of Christ and His glorious kingdom. While the full earthly extent of this verse will be the reality in that day, it nevertheless is true now. That current relevant truth is something we should meditate on and rejoice over.
            First, the Lord is our judge. We have all heard it said in a flippant casual tone “only God can judge me” as if that exempts a person from any wrong doing or correction whatsoever. The person who truly understands himself and his God knows that if God were indeed to cast judgment it would be no pleasant circumstance. When human beings are judged on their own they are always found guilty. Who among us is so puffed up that he or she can boast of always being right. In that day, true justice will always be served. Corruption and false witness will have no place and only God’s perfect discernment will be brought to bear. Praise God that the Christian will never be judged by his or her own deeds! In Christ we are judged according to His perfect righteousness. Our name is graven on His hands and we are made innocent by the free grace of God!
The Lord is our lawgiver. This is always true. We are called to remember that there is no law without God’s law. God is eternally the only authority who can decree for all mankind regardless of culture, nation, or creed. All just law must be based on God’s law otherwise it comes from the authority of men and is therefore relative and adaptable to the whims of men and women. Though now there are immoral and unjust laws, though now evil is called good and good evil, in that day all will be consistent with the heavenly father’s righteousness and goodness. Praise God for Christ who kept God’s law perfectly so that we, who cannot, never had to! Praise God that the lawgiver sent a perfect spotless lamb as the atoning sacrifice for all who believe. Praise God that the Christian does not have to fear the lawgiver, but in Christ may find the law and its master a true friend and beloved father.
The Lord is our king; He will save us. If you know the Lord Jesus, He must be your king. Christianity is not fire insurance but a new life born from on high. It carries new perspectives, new loves, new ideals, new goals all under obedience to Christ. Praise God that you have a king who knows you intimately and loves you wholly! Praise God that you may count upon him to save you to the uttermost. There is no real threat that can ever defeat your king and likewise there is no real threat that can ever defeat you if you are in Him. To walk with your king is a blessed privilege and comfort. To know your salvation and be assured of it is beyond imagination. Take comfort from this verse and rejoice in your Savior. We, the people of God are precious in His sight. May His preciousness and Glory comfort us and carry us through all our days and trials. Amen.
In Christ,

Pastor Basile

Thursday, February 2, 2017

Thy Gentleness Hath Made Me Great

2/2/17

“Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.” Psalm 18:35

Dear Congregation,
       In this psalm, David praises God for His excellent provision. This verse stands out in highlighting three aspects of God’s provision. Those of us in Christ may also praise the Lord for His giving us these provisions in the same manner as David.
The first provision is the shield of salvation. Do not think of a wooden shield that can splinter, crack, or rot if external elements have their way with it. Think of an impenetrable shield made of an indestructible substance that is not known to mankind. Nothing can destroy the salvation that God has given you. You have it as a shield from sin, from shame, from guilt, from death, and from fear. God’s salvation and protection is total and guaranteed by the effectiveness and victory of the Lord Jesus Christ. Praise God!
            The second praiseworthy provision is that God’s right hand helps and holds you up. Do not underestimate the significance of God’s right hand. Remember that it was the words of God that created all of the universe but his right hand, his fighting hand, is put into action to hold you and help you. There is nothing that you go through as a child of God in which you are totally alone. There is no trial, no challenge, no sorrow, no temptation, neither happy occasions where God’s hand is not upon you to hold you and help you. You may doubt yourself, but do not doubt His right hand. If you feel weak, the power of God is mad more perfect and effective to act in your weakness. The unbeliever only has his or her own two hands and feet in which to act. You have the right hand of Almighty God. Praise his name!
            The last praiseworthy provision of this verse is perhaps most significant as it also fuels the other two. God’s gentleness has made you great. That is, His mercy, and His unearned favor. By Grace you have the shield of His Salvation and by Grace His right hand holds you up. But His grace has also made you great. You have been made a king and a priest unto God. You have been adopted into the family of the heavenly realm and are called a son or a daughter of the most high. This is all because of God’s love towards us, because of His gentleness. Though we were all born children of wrath, in Christ are we made free, clean, alive, and eternal. This is not the action of a fictional, angry, spiting, and hateful God. We who know his love know His gentleness as a vital to His being. All glory laud and honor to the Redeemer for His gentleness! What a wonderful salvation what a wonderful Gospel, what a wonderful Lord! Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
In Christ,

Pastor Basile